There are moments in a player’s Liverpool career when things just seem to click. Could Florian Wirtz have experienced one of those moments at Selhurst Park?
The German international produced arguably his most influential performance in a Liverpool shirt as Andoni Iraola’s side secured a much-needed 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
Wirtz scored his first Premier League goal of the season, provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s late strike and looked far more confident and influential in the attacking areas.
After the criticism and scrutiny he has faced, this was exactly the sort of performance Liverpool supporters have been waiting for.
And perhaps, more importantly, it could give him the confidence to kick on.
The goal was important, but the overall performance mattered more
Wirtz’s goal in the 54th minute was beautifully worked. He played the ball into the space for Bradley Barcola before continuing his run into the penalty area and finishing the resulting cross.
It was a simple but important reminder of what he can offer.
He wasn’t standing around waiting for the ball. He was making intelligent movements, getting into dangerous positions and looking to influence the game.
His involvement in Isak’s goal was another positive, showing the creativity and awareness that made Liverpool so keen to bring him to Anfield.
This is the Wirtz Liverpool need to see more regularly.
Iraola’s instructions could be making a difference
One interesting detail from the Palace victory was Wirtz’s explanation of the manager’s instructions.
He revealed that Iraola had been encouraging the attacking players to get more bodies into the penalty area.
That might sound straightforward, but it is important.
Liverpool have had too many occasions this season when their centre-forward has looked isolated, with insufficient support arriving from midfield and the attacking positions.
Against Palace, Wirtz was getting into the box and taking up positions where he could actually hurt the opposition.
Perhaps this is part of the solution to getting the best out of him.
Iraola clearly believes in Wirtz, and the German now needs to repay that faith with consistent performances.
We have to give him time, but expectations are high
Nobody should pretend Wirtz has suddenly solved all of Liverpool’s problems.
He has endured difficult spells, and there have been legitimate questions about whether the team has been getting enough from such an expensive signing.
But there are also mitigating circumstances.
Liverpool have struggled for consistency, the midfield balance hasn’t always been right and the attacking players have not been receiving the service they need.
Wirtz is a creative footballer who needs movement around him, options ahead of him and teammates making runs into dangerous areas.
He cannot be expected to manufacture everything himself.
That doesn’t mean he should escape criticism, though. At his price, Liverpool need him to become a player who regularly decides important matches.
One good performance is a start, not the finished article.
The Manchester United game is another opportunity
The timing of this performance is particularly encouraging with Manchester United due at Anfield after the international break.
There could hardly be a better opportunity for Wirtz to build on his display against Palace.
Liverpool need players who can unlock stubborn defences, create chances and make the difference in the biggest matches.
Wirtz has the technical ability to do all of those things. We have seen glimpses of it, but now we need to see it consistently.
I would love to see him take the confidence from Selhurst Park into that game and make himself the difference-maker Liverpool expected when they signed him.
My verdict: This could be the beginning of something
I’m not going to get carried away after one performance, but I am encouraged.
Wirtz scoring his first Premier League goal, setting up Isak and looking more comfortable in the attacking areas is a significant positive.
Iraola needs to build a team that gets the best out of his creativity, while Wirtz needs to keep producing performances that justify the investment.
Liverpool have a special talent on their hands if they can get everything working around him.
The criticism won’t disappear overnight, but perhaps the Palace victory is the moment Wirtz needed to get his Liverpool career moving in the right direction.
Could this finally be the turning point for Florian Wirtz at Anfield? I certainly hope so.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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